Table 2: Advantages and disadvantages of using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
Advantages Disadvantages
• Indicates areas where teaching could be improved (when students consistently falter at the same point). • A learning curve exists to writing and conducting these exams.
• Removes the “halo” effect and results in increasingly objective measurement of student performance (increased reliability) [13]. • Scenarios are contrived in most cases to help standardize across students and allow testing in this format-not all skills taught may be testable using this format and productive skills may not be properly assessed [13].
• Students accept format as “real life” and want to succeed-increased student acceptance of assessment (face validity) [13]. • It is an indirect test of the knowledge component of skills training.
• Tests technical skill competence (tests “shows how” or “does”) [4]. • Faculty, staff intensive.
• Team building amongst faculty, DVLC and staff. • Resource intensive (supplies, animals, space) [13].
• Increases DVLC engagement and interest in program. • Challenging to administer with a large student body.
Table 2: Advantages and disadvantages of using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).